Oregano Queso Fresco (Mexican-style Fresh Oregano Cheese)

Crumbly and savory, this simple, fresh white cheese makes a good topping for soups, salads, or tacos. Prep and Cook Time: about 2 hours. Notes: We used cream-top organic milk from Straus Family Creamery, in Marshall, California, for this cheese because it has wonderful flavor and comes from healthy cows. The recipe will work with any whole milk, as long as it isn't ultra-pasteurized.

Crumbly and savory, this simple, fresh white cheese makes a good topping for soups, salads, or tacos. Prep and Cook Time: about 2 hours. Notes: We used cream-top organic milk from Straus Family Creamery, in Marshall, California, for this cheese because it has wonderful flavor and comes from healthy cows. The recipe will work with any whole milk, as long as it isn't ultra-pasteurized.

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Ingredients

1/2 gal. whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)

9 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 4 to 5 large lemons)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano leaves

Nutritional Information

Calories 38

Caloriesfromfat 47%

Protein 2g

Fat 2g

Satfat 1.3g

Carbohydrate 3.2g

Fiber 0.0g

Sodium 91mg

Cholesterol 8.5mg

Calories 38

Caloriesfromfat 47%

Protein 2g

Fat 2g

Satfat 1.3g

Carbohydrate 3.2g

Fiber 0.0g

Sodium 91mg

Cholesterol 8.5mg

How to Make It

Step 1

In a large, heavy pot, heat milk over medium-high heat just to the point of boiling, stirring often to prevent scorching. As soon as it looks as though it's about to boil (small bubbles are beginning to break the surface), remove from heat and drizzle in lemon juice, whisking briskly. Reduce heat to low, return pot to burner, and whisk for another 2 minutes (do not let boil). Cover and let sit 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, line a large colander with cheesecloth and set in sink. Pour in curds and whey. Tie two opposite corners of cheesecloth into a knot over curds and repeat with other two corners. Hang cheesecloth sack from sink faucet for 1 to 2 hours, or until curds have stopped draining.

Step 3

Pour curds into a bowl and add salt and oregano. Rub between your fingers to mix and to break curds into small grains. Cheese will keep, covered and chilled, up to 1 week.

Step 4

Note: Nutritional analysis is per tablespoon.

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Ratings & Reviews

ajvinande's Review

Excellent!! I found it while looking for recipes to use up lemons from a relative's tree. A very nice spreadable cheese for crackers, raw veggies, and the like. Other herbs such as thyme or rosemary are excellent here as well. When it says to "sit 10 minutes," keep the stove on low. I only needed 30 minutes to drain with my cheesecloth folded out into a single layer. Delicious according to the whole family. Try it. You'll like it!

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